Former Nomad commander returns 'home' from deployment

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA. --  "Different" was the word Col. Todd Harmer used to describe how the 33rd Fighter Wing flight line looked from the window of the commercial jet he returned in Sept. 15 at Northwest Florida's regional airport. "There were no airplanes, which seemed eerie, but the progress of construction was amazing."

The former wing commander flew out in the last F-15 as the finale of the unit's operational era a year ago, just before the unit became the F-35 integrated training center it is known as today. After delivering the Eagle to its nesting place in Arizona, Colonel Harmer continued on to his next assignment - a deployment to Iraq.

"I worked directly with senior US and Iraqi leaders to help develop the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces as part of our strategy to hand off security responsibility to the Government of Iraq," he said. "Today the Iraqi Security Forces are very capable but still have a significant amount of work to do. I don't think most Americans understand how much damage 30 years of mismanagement by Saddam Hussein and seven years of war have had on Iraq."

On one side of the globe, the former wing commander worked with Pentagon and Congressional delegates to formulate the way ahead for joint forces who aided in rebuilding the war-torn nation. On the other side, the current wing commander was in conversations with the same dignitaries to stand up the future for joint operations in anticipation for the arrival of the first Joint Strike Fighter to the wing.

"Its great to see him back safely," said Col. David Hlatky, 33rd FW commander. "'Sledge' is a long-time friend and mentor. It was fun showing him how the seeds he planted have grown."

The colonels had been in contact with each other long before Colonel Harmer departed. At the time, Colonel Hlatky was the one deployed and keeping in touch with the wing he'd begin leading Oct. 1, 2009.

Both officers toured the 33rd FW complex Sept. 21 and admired the growing transformation the unit has taken.

Colonel Harmer remembered the corner of Eglin fondly as a thriving operational wing who won combat honors in Desert Shield and Storm. Now it was sort of a "ghost town of construction" compared to what it was before his deployment.

A highlight of returning to the wing was the opportunity to visit other Nomads who served under his leadership and stayed to help transition the wing.

"It's always nice to see familiar faces and it was good to get back to see the Air Force family from my time in the Nomads," said Colonel Harmer. "We established a small 9th Air Force detachment to take care of the few remaining Air Combat Command personnel shortly before the wing transitioned to Air Education and Training Command, some of those Airmen has since rejoined the wing and are doing great work for the Nomads. It makes me proud."

The former wing commander was one of the four officers left on the roster this summer when the det deactivated.

"It was odd to turn the tables and technically be his 'commander' since he was part of Det 33, but it was definitely an honor to fly with him and serve with him," said Lt. Col. Maria Marion, Director of Staff and former Detachment 33 commander. "It was great to see him return safely from Iraq. I'm happy he finally gets to return home to Stacie and the kids and enjoy some well-deserved time off."

The wing is completely transitioned now with this small Air Combat Command component closed and construction well underway to support incoming aircraft and students. Currently persons of distinguished visitor status are the ones visiting the wing weekly in anticipation of what lies ahead for the future of all American military services.

"This is the largest single-program investment in DoD history," said Colonel Hlatky. "It literally is the free world's fighter for the next 35-50 years. No one should be surprised that the domestic and international 'investors' are keenly interested in our progress. Eglin will always be a centerpiece of global F-35 operations, but for the next five years this is 'THE' centerpiece."

For this reason, the wing hosts many protocol visits. In Iraq, things were no different for Colonel Harmer who got to tour the country with the visiting dignitaries and even travel temporarily back to Washington D.C. to discuss military operations.

"It was odd going home for work," he said about the few opportunities he got to visit his wife and children who settled into their next assignment at the Pentagon a year before he did.

The colonels ended their brief days together at the end of the tour and the next day Colonel Harmer was finally able to reunite with his family. Now he'll settle into a new environment even further from Eagle driving - working with Air Force Legislative Affairs at their headquarters with civilian business attire as his new uniform.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of working on Capitol Hill and think my past experience; in particular the year in Iraq will make me an effective advocate for the Air Force," said the former wing commander. "Also, I'm certain I'll stay connected with the Nomads and Eglin since the Joint Strike Fighter is such an important program for national security and Congress is watching it closely."

"As we get ready to accept airplanes and begin training, Colonel Harmer will still have connections to the Nomads as he guides and coordinates legislative visits and briefings," said Colonel Hlatky. "This wing will continue to be enhanced by his exceptional leadership and vision."